Eastlink Centre General Manager Jim Weller, who is overseeing the outdoor pool, told council on Tuesday the rates were decided by adding a 2.5% inflation rate to the outdoor pool’s rates from 2012.

“It is still a very, very affordable pool. We also have the punch passes that are available and included in the fees and charges as well, which sort of retains that affordability…” Coun. Chris Thiessen said to council.

“We do very much feel, and want to believe, that the Bear Creek Pool will be a very full pool, regardless of the (fee) changes here.”

Council approved the pool rates by a vote of 7-1. Coun. Wade Pilat was not in attendance.

Weller recently told the DHT that the pool is expected to open some time this month. With only landscaping work remaining, he said the pool’s opening will depend on how final steps such as a health inspection go.

The pool was originally built in 1962 but had to be redone after cracking appeared in the basin in 2013.

Several new features will be a part of the new outdoor pool, including a tots pool, a “zero beach” entry into the pool, a games area and a waterslide, as well as lanes and jets for swimming.

Once open, there will be about five or six lifeguards on shift at Bear Creek Pool at one time, depending on how many people are using it.